How to be successful…

Using English

Whatever your nationality, you need to understand and be understood. The business world uses English as a Lingua Franca so this should solve the problem.

Does it? Not really.

International communication can still be more complicated and stressful than working with compatriots. This is bad news. It reduces the energy available for improving performance and creative thinking.

Some low-level but significant stress in international business communication stems from linguistic difficulties.

For example:

It is stressful to listen to a speaker with an unfamiliar accent or way of speaking

Speaking a foreign language creates stress: the fear of making language mistakes

It is difficult to pronounce a foreign language clearly and recognisably.

It’s not fair

Some think it’s unfairly easy for Anglo Saxons. They think it’s easy for the British, Americans and Australians to do business anywhere in the world, because English is their native language.

It is certainly easy for them to speak and write in English. They don’t have to worry about being correct in grammar, choosing the right word, pronouncing it right.

But…

In a business world where many people speak English as a second language, everyone has to work hard to understand.

Unclear, unfamiliar accents make it hard for both sides. Speaking too fast makes it harder. Using strange words makes it harder.

People get stressed when they have to work hard to understand you. Especially without breaks.

Misunderstandings occur.

Opportunities are lost.

For instance, some Germans prefer to do business with other non-native users of English rather than with Brits and Americans. Why? Because they understand them better. Why? Because they use more understandable English than the Brits and Americans.

Multi nationality means understanding many accents

Teams with many nationalities create a listening challenge for everyone: everyone must work extra hard to understand each other.

The good news is you can learn how to use more understandable English.

Know what the problem is

Making your English understandable is based on knowing:

The surface difficulties faced by foreign language users

The practical and emotional impact involved

Specific strategies which help without patronising

Fix it with our system

We have built up a deep knowledge of these elements over the last 40 years, through research, working with international business people who use English as a a second or foreign language, and through being foreign language users ourselves.

We’re delighted to share these insights and the solutions, strategies and tips we’ve developed. By using them, we communicate more effectively and make better business relationships more quickly in the international arena.

You will too.

Our system is based on a unique blend of linguistics, international and UK business experience, cross-cultural expertise and communication skills. It’s designed to help you increase your global business success, and make communication easier for all sides.We call it “Global Business Linguistics“.

Our International Communication services

To solve the problems that business and professional clients experience, both British and international, we have built a range of advanced business communication services including: